What you can do while we watch the Congressional trash fire
Indivisible SF Newsletter
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Government Shutdown Clock: 31 days remain
If Congress does not pass a budget bill or CR by Friday, November 17, the government will shut down.
The House cannot pass anything until it elects a Speaker.
Our federal legislature is currently deadlocked due to the lack of a House Speaker. The House needs a Speaker in order to do their part in averting the approaching government shutdown. We are watching this debacle closely and will let you know if there are any actions to take. At the moment, though, there is nothing our Federal Working Group can ask, as there is nothing our congressional delegation can do.
It’s yet another reason we need to win back the House majority in 2024—and there is plenty to do on that front! Check out (Get Out the Vote) Page ([link removed]) for opportunities to talk to voters in critical districts today.
** It’s been a year. What’s happening with student debt relief?
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A lot has happened—and some things haven’t happened—since we published our 2022 student debt relief explainer ([link removed]) . The Department of Education has a page summarizing ([link removed]) the current state of things, and we’ve published an updated blog post ([link removed]) that lays out the options available to you and what’s still coming.
Some of the relief so far has been in the form of automatic forgiveness—i.e., you’d know whether you’ve received it or not. But you must apply for other relief programs, and you should look into these even if you’ve done so before, as eligibility requirements may have changed.
Read more on our blog ([link removed]) and get your student loan relief today!
** Get your 2023 vaccines
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To keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our neighbors safe from respiratory illnesses that can cause long-term complications, it's important that we keep up with our annual vaccinations. There are at least two shots you should get this fall: one for COVID-19 and one for flu. If you’re 60 or older, you should also get the new vaccine for RSV ([link removed]) .
After some initial trouble, availability of the new, updated COVID-19 vaccines is gradually improving. If you haven’t gotten vaccinated yet, it might be time to give it another try. In addition to Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, some locations have the new third option, Novavax.
The COVID-19 vaccines are still free, but the details have changed. People with insurance will have to present their insurance, and their insurance will be billed. People without insurance can get the new vaccine for free via the CDC’s Bridge Access Program.
For more information on where to get the shot and how to get it for free if you’re uninsured, see our blog post ([link removed]) .
** Get free COVID-19 tests from USPS and also from your insurance provider
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The USPS and the Biden Administration have reopened the ordering site for free COVID-19 home test kits. Use these rapid antigen tests before attending (or hosting) a gathering or other event; if you test positive, cancel—or wear a good (N95) mask and gather outside if possible. Get your tests today! ([link removed])
Also, as a California resident, you can still get your insurance provider to reimburse you for at-home COVID-19 test purchases ([link removed]) , thanks to SB 510, passed in 2021. This provision lasts until November 11, so the window is closing fast—you can get covered for up to eight tests per person this month and eight per person next month.
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If you’re interested in participating in activities like drafting letters to our Members of Congress and developing our strategy for influencing them, the Indivisible SF Federal Working Group ([link removed]) is where it happens.
Indivisible SF Federal Working Group: Thursday, October 26, 7:30–9 PM. Planning meeting where we discuss strategy to influence our Members of Congress and the Biden administration to enact a progressive agenda. Meeting starts promptly at 7:30 PM. All are welcome. Register here ([link removed]) !
TODAY: Swing Left SF Bay Area Coalition Phone Bank: Wednesday, October 18 (and every Wednesday), 2:30–4:30 PM. Join Swing Left SF and the Bay Area Coalition to phone bank for all the key 2023 elections, as we organize swing states for key elections in 2023. RSVP here. ([link removed])
Meet the Candidates: George Whitesides for CA-27: Thursday, October 19, 7:00–8:30 PM. The road to the House in 2024 lies through California. Join the SoCal MEET THE CANDIDATES Series to meet George Whitesides, candidate for CA-27. RSVP here. ([link removed])
Common Cause Local News Focus Group: four dates starting Thursday, October 19. California Common Cause is hosting listening sessions with communities in San Francisco to understand how people get local news and information and how we can make our local news ecosystem stronger.
They invite San Francisco residents to participate in one of their Zoom focus groups this October.
* Thursday, Oct. 19, 8:30–10:00 AM
* Thursday, Oct. 26, 6:30–8:00 PM
* Friday, Oct. 27, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
* Saturday, Oct. 28, 10:00–11:30AM
Use their Airtable website ([link removed]) to pick one of those dates for your session.
San Francisco Public Library Commission Meeting: Thursday, October 19, 4:30–8 PM at 100 Larkin Street. Join the Commission Meeting to hear about SFPL’s community outreach process and how the findings will inform its final strategic plan. ln-person or tune in from home. This meeting is in-person, but remote and call-in access is available. For instructions, see the SFPL event page. ([link removed])
True to Blue IN-PERSON Phone Bank for VA, OH, and CA: Saturday, October 21 (and every Saturday), 10:00–12:00 PM at 541 Castro Street. Join an in-person phone bank with the Bay Area Coalition to make calls to voters in key states for critical elections in 2023 and 2024. RSVP here. ([link removed])
** About this week’s photo
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If you’ve seen our newsletter posts on social media, you might have noticed that we include a photo or graphic with each issue.
Today’s graphic is from the federal student aid website ([link removed]) .
Keep Fighting,
The Indivisible SF Team ([link removed])
If you'd like to support our all-volunteer team:
DONATE HERE ([link removed])
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